The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority has banned the bursting of rockets and aerial firecrackers across Mumbai till 11:59 pm on 25 November 2026. The order, which took effect on Monday, 9 November, follows a Diwali night in which the city fire brigade was called out 142 times.
What the order covers
The ban covers all residential buildings, rooftops, balconies, slum pockets, terraces, courtyards and parking areas, and all public and private premises within BMC limits. It was signed by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Verma-Lavangare, chairperson in charge of the Urban Disaster Management Authority. The order was issued as an India Today FLASH at 15:45 on 9 November.
Why rockets were singled out
The order says rockets land on rooftops, balconies, windows and combustible materials, creating a fire risk in the city's dense neighbourhoods. It was issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, invoking sections 41(A), 26(2), 30 and 34(M). Other firecrackers remain subject to existing laws and court orders, and are not covered by this ban.
142 fire calls in one day
The Mumbai Fire Brigade received 142 fire calls on 8 November, and 137 of them were attributed to firecrackers. Three major fires were reported on Diwali night, at Dongri Haji Kasam Chawl, at a garage on Marol Military Road in Andheri, and at the Vidyavihar Skyline Vida commercial building.
The guard who died in a lift
A 56 year old security guard, Dhanpat Mahatu, died of smoke suffocation after being trapped in a lift during a fire in a 17th floor flat at Runwal Elegante in Andheri West. The fire is suspected to have started from a diya. His death was among the incidents that followed the Diwali night fires across the city.
